Groundwater monitoring technologies applied to carbon dioxide sequestration

ABSTRACT

A fluid monitoring system for a subsurface well in a subterranean formation includes a first zone isolator, a second zone isolator, a fluid inlet, a first pressure canister and a first gas-in line. The first and second zone isolators are positioned in the subsurface well. The fluid inlet receives fluid from the subterranean formation. The first pressure canister is positioned between the first zone isolator and the second zone isolator. The first pressure canister receives the fluid at an in-situ pressure. The first gas-in line selectively delivers a gas to the first pressure canister to pressurize the first pressure canister so that the first pressure canister is adapted to be removed from the subsurface well at a substantially similar pressure as the in-situ pressure. In one embodiment, the first pressure canister receives the fluid at an in-situ temperature. In this embodiment, the first pressure canister is adapted to be removed from the subsurface well at a substantially similar temperature as the in-situ temperature.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/010,831, filed Jan. 11, 2008,the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein byreference to the extent permitted.

BACKGROUND

Generating energy which is an alternative to oil has become increasinglyimportant. Because oil is a finite resource that is relatively costlyand exists only in certain regions of the world, the move to lessexpensive, renewable energy sources has reached the critical stage. Forexample, substantial research in the production and use of hydrogen fuelis currently underway. Additionally, the world's abundant coal reservesare being considered as an excellent source of energy, and could be usedin the transition from oil to hydrogen or other energy sources. Onemajor concern stemming from coal usage is the production of carbondioxide, which has been found to likely contribute to ozone depletionand global warming.

One method of dealing with the carbon dioxide reaction product from coalrefinement is to sequester the carbon dioxide in fractured rockformations to form subterranean carbon dioxide reservoirs. Thesereservoirs can be thousands of feet below ground surface (bgs). Thecarbon dioxide levels should be accurately monitored from subsurfacewells in order to detect at an early stage whether leakage or seepageproblems may be occurring. Thus, down-hole containerization andmeasurement of groundwater samples in corrosive and saline environmentshas become increasingly important. In addition, other fluids, such asliquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and high and low level radioactive wasterepositories are critical to monitor. However, monitoring any or all ofthese fluids at their actual in-situ temperature and pressure in orderto attain greater accuracy can be particularly challenging.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed toward a fluid monitoring system for asubsurface well in a subterranean formation. In one embodiment, thefluid monitoring system includes a first zone isolator; a second zoneisolator, a fluid inlet, a first pressure canister and a first gas-inline. The first and second zone isolators are positioned in thesubsurface well. The fluid inlet receives fluid from the subterraneanformation. The first pressure canister is positioned between the firstzone isolator and the second zone isolator. The first pressure canisterreceives the fluid at an in-situ pressure. The first gas-in lineselectively delivers a gas to the first pressure canister to pressurizethe first pressure canister so that the first pressure canister isadapted to be removed from the subsurface well at a substantiallysimilar pressure as the in-situ pressure. In one embodiment, the firstpressure canister receives the fluid at an in-situ temperature. In thisembodiment, the first pressure canister is adapted to be removed fromthe subsurface well at a substantially similar temperature as thein-situ temperature.

In another embodiment, the fluid monitoring system includes a dockingreceptacle, a docking apparatus, a fluid inlet, a pressure canister anda gas-in line. The docking receptacle is positioned in the subsurfacewell. The docking apparatus selectively docks with the dockingreceptacle in the subsurface well. The fluid inlet receives fluid fromthe subterranean formation. The pressure canister is positioned so thatthe docking apparatus is between the docking receptacle and the pressurecanister. The pressure canister receives the fluid at an in-situpressure. The gas-in line selectively delivers a gas to the pressurecanister to pressurize the pressure canister so that the pressurecanister is adapted to be removed from the subsurface well at asubstantially similar pressure as the in-situ pressure.

In a further embodiment, features from the previous two embodiments arecombined with one or more sensors that permit in-situ measurement offormation fluids at close to or actual formation temperatures andpressures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a simplified cross-sectional side view illustration of oneembodiment of a fluid monitoring system having features of the presentinvention, including one or more pressure canisters;

FIG. 1B is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the fluidmonitoring system illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a series of simplified cross-sectional view illustrationsshowing how pressure canisters operate in the system.

FIG. 3A is a simplified cross-sectional view of one embodiment of thefluid monitoring system that omits a first set of canisters;

FIG. 3B is a simplified cross-sectional view of one embodiment of thefluid monitoring system that omits the first set of canisters, and onlyincludes one or more canisters in a second set of canisters, illustratedin a nested configuration;

FIG. 4 is a simplified cross-sectional view of another embodiment of anested fluid monitoring system;

FIG. 5 is a simplified cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thefluid monitoring system;

FIG. 6 is a simplified cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment ofthe fluid monitoring system; and

FIG. 7 is a top view and a plurality of perspective views of one or moreembodiments of a centralizer used in the fluid monitoring system.

DESCRIPTION

As an overview, the fluid monitoring and collection system 10(hereinafter sometimes referred to as a “fluid monitoring system”) shownand described herein is particularly suited for monitoring and samplingsequestered subterranean fluid. Although carbon dioxide is specificallyreferenced herein as one fluid that can be monitored and/or sampled bythe fluid monitoring system 10, it is recognized that other suitablefluids can equally be monitored and/or sampled. Additionally, althoughthe sensor devices described herein are particularly suited for sensingcarbon dioxide, other suitable sensors can be utilized with the fluidmonitoring system 10 in order to sense other fluid parameters. Forexample, as non-exclusive examples only, the fluid monitoring system 10can be used to sense and/or monitor temperature, conductivity, flowconductivity, the presence of oxygen or other fluids, pH,oxidation-reduction potential, dimensions and/or weight, the presence ofmetals or other solids, or any other suitable parameters.

FIG. 1 is a side-view illustration of one embodiment of a fluidmonitoring system 10 that is used in a subsurface well. In thisembodiment, the fluid monitoring system 10 includes one or more of awell casing 12, a first zone isolator 14 (such as a straddle packer, asone example), a second zone isolator 16 (such as a straddle packer, asone example), one or more fluid entry ports 18, one or more pressurecanisters 20 (sometimes referred to simply as “canister”), a lower pump22, a docking receptacle 24, a docking apparatus 26, a sensor 28, anupper pump 30, one or more gas-in lines 32, one or more sample returnlines 34, a power source 36, a sensor signal return line 38 and afluid-tight adapter 40. This fluid monitoring system can be placedwithin a riser pipe 41 in the borehole.

One embodiment consists of an evolutionary technology for collectingdepth discrete soil gas and groundwater samples at formationtemperatures and pressures during borehole advancement in unconsolidatedto semi-consolidated earth materials as well as in hard-rock formationmaterials using advanced drilling and coring apparatus and methods. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the fluid monitoring system 10 ispositioned within the borehole (not shown). Advantages can include oneor more of the following: the ability to collect a groundwater and soiland/or soil-gas and soil samples at the same time; and/or the ability ofthe fluid monitoring system 10 to be pile-driven or advanced by coringwhile still under pneumatic pressure inside the pressure canister 20.Further, in certain embodiments, back pressurization with nitrogen gasprior to collection of a groundwater sample is maintained so thatborehole fluids are prevented from entering the fluid monitoring system10 during transport to the bottom of the borehole and during the piledriving process into the sediments below the bottom of the borehole.Further, the fluid monitoring system 10 can include one or more sensors28 for measuring formation fluid properties, rock properties as well aschemical constituents can be incorporated into the apparatus formulti-tasking performance.

Each pressure canister 20 can vary in capacity. In one embodiment, thecanister 20 can have a capacity of between 50 milliliters to 10 liters.Multiple canisters 20 in the system 10 can have different volumes or thesame volume.

In one embodiment, once the fluid monitoring system 10 is drivenapproximately two feet beyond a bottom of the borehole, pressure isreleased from a pneumatic line that extends from the top of the samplerto the ground surface (not shown)—by opening a release valve located atthe ground surface. In alternative embodiments, the device can be drivengreater than or less than two feet beyond the bottom of the borehole.Filling of the pressure canister 20 can be pneumatically monitored fromthe ground surface through the back pressurization line 32. The filldetection process can also allow a determination of the quantity ofwater that has entered the pressure canister(s) 20. After sufficientgroundwater sample has been obtained, the canisters 20 can bere-pressurized to simulate formation pressure, and the system 10 can bewithdrawn or pulled from the punched hole below the bottom of theborehole, and tripped back to the ground surface for depressurizationand sample transfer, for example.

One or more pressure canisters 20 can be integrated into straddle packersystems as illustrated in the embodiment in FIG. 1A, either as a singleunit or as an in-line series of canisters 20 isolated between a set ofstraddle packers. As a matter of flexibility, any of the pressurecanister configurations can be outfitted with shut-off valves located atthe top and bottom of the canisters—such that following removal ofcanisters from the borehole the top and bottom pressure containmentvalves can be closed prior to direct connection to analytical systemsfor analysis of supercritical fluids in a single, or double orthree-phase system. During retrieval of the canisters 20 to the groundsurface, pressure inside the canisters 20 can be maintained by use ofshut-off valves in combination with compressed at the ground surface.

FIG. 1B is a more detailed view of a portion of the fluid monitoringsystem 10. For example, in FIG. 1B, the lower pump 22 is connected tothe gas-in line 32 and the sample return line 34. These lines 32, 34 canextend from the lower pump 22 through a fluid-tight adapter 40 to allowthe lines to enter and/or exit the interior of the fluid monitoringsystem 10. Further, a back pressurization line can extend from anexterior of the fluid monitoring system 10 through the fluid-tightadapter 40 to the pressure canisters 20.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, two sets of pressure canisters for twoseparate retrieval operations can be used. A first set 42 of pressurecanisters 20 (three canisters 20 are illustrated in the first set 42 inFIG. 1A) are illustrated in the lower portion of FIG. 1A, and arepositioned between the first zone isolator 14 and the second zoneisolator 16. A second set 44 of pressure canisters 20 (two canisters areillustrated in the second set 44 in FIG. 1A) are illustrated above theupper pump 30. In one embodiment, the second set 44 of canisters 20 canbe removed from to the ground surface prior to and independently fromthe first set 42 of canisters 20. In other words, the docking apparatus26 can be “undocked” from the docking receptacle 24, to remove thesensor 28, the upper pump 30, and the second set 44 of canisters 20,along with one or more gas-in line 32, sample return line 34, powersource 36 and/or signal return lines 38. This allows the second set 44of samples to be analyzed in a laboratory while the first set 42 ofcanisters 20 remains within the borehole for in-situ monitoring andcorroboration with the laboratory results from the second set 44 ofcanisters 20. Alternatively, both the first set 42 of canisters 20 andthe second set 44 of canisters 20 can be removed from the borehole foranalysis.

It should be recognized that although the embodiment in FIG. 1Aillustrates both the first set 42 of canisters 20 and the second set 44of canisters 20, the fluid monitoring system 10 can be operated with oneof the two sets 42, 44 of canisters. Stated another way the second set44 of canisters 20 can be omitted from the fluid monitoring system 10,and the system 10 can be utilized with only the first set 42 ofcanisters. Conversely, the first set 42 of canisters 20 can be omitted,and the fluid monitoring system 10 can be operated with only the secondset 44 of canisters 20.

From the standpoint of deployment into a borehole to depths of 1,000 to10,000 feet below ground surface (bgs), a robust, heavy duty motorizedhose spool can be required—much like that required in deep oceanographicapplications. A pump can be integrated so that groundwater can be purgedthrough the system before samples are containerized. Use of thedown-hole sensor array can determine when parameters are stabilized forcollection of the water samples. Moreover, the in-situ sensor fieldmeasurements can be used to corroborate laboratory measurements forestablishing data validation.

With respect to groundwater monitoring carbon dioxide sequestrationthere are at least four general embodiments that can be utilizeddepending on depth, functional requirements or necessities and budget,as follows:

-   -   Paired Smaller Removable Tube/Pipe Inside Larger Removable Pipe        System (to 10,000 feet bgs).    -   Nested Systems: typically achievable to 1,500 feet bgs.    -   Hardwired Straddle Packer Systems: to 10,000 ft. bgs.    -   Hybrid Hardwired/Nested Straddle Packer Systems: Nested Portion        to 1,500 ft. bgs. and Hardwired portion to 10,000 ft. bgs.

Paired Smaller Removable Tube/Pipe Inside Larger Removable Pipe System

A single or multiple straddle packer zone isolation technology (SP-ZIST)is connected to the bottom end of a steel pipe strand extending up to10,000 feet below ground surface. In one embodiment, the straddle packersection is outfitted with one or more pressure canisters 20 between eachpair of isolating zone packers that are inflated by water or air. Afluid entry port is located at the bottom of each set of pressurecanisters. The bottom most canister has one or more valves located onthe inside of the canister and near its bottom. On the outside of eachpressure canister is located a shut off valve that can be closed uponretrieval of the pressure canisters to the ground surface. A backpressurization line is connected to the top most canister with pressureinside this line controlled from the ground surface by use of compressedgas and valves. A completely separate fluid entry port is located abovethe top most canister and allows passage of formation fluids from to anopen tapered receiver located between the straddle packer assembly andthe hollow steel pipe strand.

As fluids enter and ascend through the fluid entry port, their migrationis channeled through a cross-over adapter that permits an air-tight andfluid tight exit of back pressurization tubing, pump tubing and sensorcables that are located between the straddle packers to pass from theinside of the apparatus to the outside of the steel pipe strand thatrises to the ground surface. Steel centralizers located above thecross-over sub have steel arms that extend from the main body of thecentralizer ring and allow tubes and cables to be recessed forprotection during transport if the entire SP-ZIST and steel pipe strandinto and from the borehole environment. When being lowered into theborehole, all of the canisters can be back pressurized from the groundsurface such that the internal sealing valve located near the bottom ofthe lower most canister between in pair of straddle packers can beclosed to prevent borehole fluids from entering the canisters duringdescent to the target sampling location(s).

Once the SP-ZIST system is in place, the straddle packers can beinflated and sealed against the borehole wall. Back pressure from theground surface can be released allowing the canisters to be filledin-situ formation fluid from the bottom up. A bubbler monitor or anyother type of instrument made for such purpose can be used to monitorwhen the canisters are full. Once the canisters are full, compressed gascan be released from the ground surface to once again back pressure theinternal valve located near the bottom of the bottom most canister. Asmall gas displacement pump can also be used to purge water from thecanisters and is positioned inside the cross-over sub or at some otherposition directly within, above or below the straddle packer assembly.

A second sample collection and sensor system can be deployed on theinside of the steel pipe strand. The system is small enough to easilyfit on the inside of the steel pipe and is lowered until it reaches thetapered receiver as described above. In this portion of the apparatus itcan be configured such that sensors, pump and miniaturized pressurecanisters can all be lowered independently to dock with the taperedreceiver for only a single task function. Alternatively, any combinationof the devices can be coupled together to allow multi task functionsafter docking with the tapered receiver. When using miniaturizedpressure canisters, the canisters can be back pressurized during descentusing compressed gas at the ground surface.

Once the apparatus has been seated into the tapered receiver, the backpressure charge can be released so that the canisters can fill withformation fluid. A fluid entry port located below the top most packer ofthe straddle packer pair allows formation fluid from the isolated sampletarget zone to migrate directly to the opening with the taperedreceiver. When the sample and monitoring apparatus docks with thereceiver formation fluid then come into direct contact with apparatus. Apump can be located within the apparatus to purge formation fluids thatare derived from other areas of the borehole that are not part of theisolated sampling target.

Additionally, sensors within the apparatus can monitor parameterstabilization during pumping to determine when sample target zone fluidsare in contact with the apparatus and inside the miniaturized pressurecanisters. Once the sensor measurements are completed and formationfluid samples collected into the miniaturized pressure canisters, thecanister can be back pressurized and retrieved to the ground surfacewith the entire second apparatus described herein. As before, with thelarger canisters located between the pairs of straddle packers, valveslocated above and below each of the miniaturized pressure canisters canbe closed, disconnected from the apparatus, and then directly connectedto laboratory instruments for analysis. Sensor data can be corroboratedagainst lab analyses of the formation fluid samples for the purpose ofdata validation.

Nested Systems

The Nested System is quite achievable to a depth of at leastapproximately 1,500 feet bgs. The key advantage of this technology isthat it is simple to install and easy to operate. Moreover, developmentof each well within the nest is readily doable by use of air-liftingmethods. Provided that there is sufficient hydraulic head, use ofnitrogen gas (or a 150 scfm air compressor), a weighted drop tube insidethe well, a properly designed diverter mechanism for discharging thewater, and/or a Baker tank to hold the discharged water may be included.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the fluid monitoring system 10includes a zone isolation assembly, such as those more fully describedin U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2007/0158062, 2007/0158065, 2007/0158066and 2007/0199691, which are incorporated herein by reference to theextent permitted. Alternatively, any other suitable zone isolationassembly can be incorporated into the fluid monitoring system 10. Theupper pump 30 and the docking apparatus 26 docks with the dockingreceptacle 24. The receptacle 24 can be placed between the riser pipe 41and the well screen—and is geometrically tapered on the inside. Theupper pump 30 can have an external o-ring 56 close to its bottom—nearthe intake. When the upper pump 30 reaches the bottom of the riser pipe41, the external o-ring near the upper pump 30 base combined with theweight of the upper pump 30 and hydraulic head of water inside the riserpipe 41 seats the o-ring 56 inside the tapered wall of the receptacle24. In so doing, the upper pump 30 is now hydraulically connecteddirectly to the well screen target zone—and the volume of water insidethe riser pipe 41 is negated or eliminated from the sampling process.This type of zone isolation assembly is

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of how the pressure canisters operate in thesystem. At step 246, the canister 20 is lowered into the borehole 200.Borehole fluids cannot enter the canister 20 during the lowering processbecause the canister 20 is back pressurized with a gas 202, such asnitrogen, or another suitable fluid.

At step 248, the canister 20 is driven ahead of the borehole bottom withan up-hole or down-hole drive hammer. The canister 20 is still underpressure.

At step 250, the gas 202 is released from the canister 20 by a groundsurface controller, and a well screen 204 is exposed to allow thecanister 20 to begin filling with groundwater 206.

At step 252, the canister 20 fills with groundwater 206. The displacedgas 202 enters a water-filled bottle or bucket as bubbles, serving as afill indicator.

At step 254, the canister 20 is repressurized with gas 202, and then thecanister 20 is removed from the drive hole at the bottom of the borehole200. Back-pressure charge inhibits the borehole fluids fromcross-contaminating the groundwater sample 206 and inhibits off-gassingof VOC molecules in the groundwater sample 206.

FIG. 3A shows one embodiment of the fluid monitoring system 310A thatomits the first set of canisters, and only includes one or morecanisters in the second set of canisters, in a single configuration.

FIG. 3B shows one embodiment of the fluid monitoring system 310B thatomits the first set of canisters, and only includes one or morecanisters in the second set of canisters, in a nested configuration. Thenested configuration includes a plurality of fluid monitoring subsystems358 that can be included in a plurality of different boreholes, or in asingle uniform diameter borehole or telescoping diameter borehole.

For the purpose of carbon dioxide sequestration monitoring, the nestedfluid monitoring system 310B has one or more advantages. The nestedsystems 310B can be outfitted with one or more of the features that areshown in the embodiment in FIG. 1—i.e. integrating 1) one or more pumps,2) docking Receptacle, 3) pressure transducers, 4) pressure canisters,and/or 5) an automated and/or semi-automated control system at theground surface.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a nested system 410. As shownin the embodiment in FIG. 4, the pumps 430 are placed above the pressurecanister(s) 420 and sensors 428 (if included) so that pumping from thesystem 410 continuously pulls fresh water from the screened target zone462. When it is determined that parameters have stabilized (down-hole orup-hole) the pressure canisters 420 and pumps 430 can beback-pressurized from the ground surface—with simulated formationpressure locked into both devices. Once each pressure canister 420 isretrieved at ground surface, valves located at the tops and bottoms ofeach pressure vessel are closed—locking in the simulated formationpressure into each canister 420. At this point, the pump(s) 430 can bedepressurized, and the pressure canister 420 detached from the bottom ofthe sampling string.

In certain embodiments, a nested system 410 can be successfullycompleted to a depth of at least 2,500 feet bgs, and perhaps to 3,000feet bgs. Use of Schedule 120 PVC would likely be suitable to thesedepths in conjunction with stainless steel well screen. Each well withinthe nest could be developed using air-lifting methods with a relativelysmall 150 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) air compressor (i.e.Ingersol Rand).

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the fluid monitoring system510. In this embodiment, the fluid monitoring system 510 includes aplurality of pump/canister assemblies 564 that are positioned in seriesfor use in a single borehole (not shown in FIG. 5). In this embodiment,multiple samples, each from a different level in the formation can bemonitored and/or collected. Each of these pump/canister assemblies 564operates in a similar manner to at least some of those previouslydescribed.

As used herein, the term “Hardwired Straddle Packer System” (HW-SPS)includes a system where tubing and instrumentation components areindividually not removable from any part of the system unless most orall of the straddle packer system is removed from the borehole. As anexample, some wells have various integral components that are notremovable from the ground surface—such as packers, sampling ports,electromagnetic couplings, etc. So, if any one of these componentsmalfunctions, most or all of the system has to be removed from the wellor borehole for repair and/or replacement.

Such a system can incorporate one or more of the following: 1) one ormore pumps, 2) one or more pressure canisters, 3) one or moremulti-parameter sensors, and/or 4) a multi-channel control unit forsimultaneous purging, sampling, and/or back pressurization. It iscontemplated that the HW-SPS could be designed for a 6 (150 mm) to 8inch (200 mm) diameter borehole, although other boreholes of differentdiameters can be used with the HW-SPS. This would allow the stainlesssteel mandrills of each packer to be made with a large enough insidediameter to pass through one or more of the following:

-   -   Packer inflation line. One line can be used for all of the        packers.    -   A Gas-In and Sample Return Line (two lines) for each pump.    -   Cable pass-through for each sensor.

In one non-exclusive embodiment, a straddle packer of 140 mm wouldpermit a pass through of approximately 125 mm and have ample coveragefor inflation pressure, sealing pressures and pressure differentialsbetween packers located at different depths within the same borehole andfor the same depth range group. A single packer inflation line would beall that is required and would likely have an OD of 4.6 mm (3/16-inch)—made from high pressure Nylon or other polyamides—reinforcedwith fiberglass or synthetic fibers, for example. Theback-pressurization line for each of the pressure canisters can also be4.6 mm OD and be made from high pressure Nylon, in one non-exclusiveembodiment. The gas-in and sample return lines for each of the pumpscould be 6.35 mm OD (¼-inch)×4.6 mm ID, for example, and can be madefrom high pressure Nylon or other suitable materials. In certainembodiments, each of the Idronaut cables can be about 6 mm to 7 mm andcan be made from military grade cable materials, for instance.Alternatively, the cables can be larger than 7 mm or smaller than 6 mm.

When using a long term HS-SPS, one or more of four factors can come intoplay, such as: 1) the method for deployment and retrieval from theborehole, 2) the method and system used for jacketing tubing and cable,3) the method and apparatus for supporting the system over the long termfollowing placement into the borehole, and 4) the materials used forresisting and preventing corrosion from long term exposure to brinish orother corrosive fluids.

When lowering such a system into a deep borehole, the total weight ofthe system will have been calculated in order to size out the specificcrane to be used. In one embodiment, a structural support rod can beused to interconnect all of the straddle packer units and to connect thetop straddle packer unit to the ground surface. Although the use of thesupport rod would possibly be slower than the use of a strong, thicksteel cable to deploy and retrieve the HW-SPS, the support rod makes fora reliable and robust substrate to attach the jacketed tubing bundlesand instrumentation cables.

Whether a common jacket is used for all of the Nylon tubes or acommunity of jackets, the Nylon tubes for each zone can be of differentcolors so that they are easily identified. Moreover, if not enoughcolors are available due to coloring limitations from fabricators andretailers, then tubes of the same color for each zone can bedifferentiated simply by using a lettering or numbering convention, forexample.

Upon reaching total depth of emplacement within the borehole, the HW-SPScan be supported from both the bottom and the top. In one embodiment,the bottom of the system can be outfitted with a heavy-duty steelstructural support pedestal. In one embodiment, the top of the supportsystem can receive most of the load and be supported with a substantialstainless steel manifold plate in the shape of a large donut, severalinches thick, and can be bolted to a reinforced concrete block orpedestal.

In one embodiment, materials used for jacketing Nylon tubes andinstrumentation cables can be made from marine grade polymers used foroceanographic work. Metallic components used in instrumentation thatwould be exposed to the brinish fluids over a period of years can bemade from materials such as titanium aluminum alloys, and the like.

A Hybrid system, referred to herein as a Hardwired/Nested StraddlePacker System (HW/N-SPS) is a versatile system for very deep carbondioxide observation well applications—since this particular design wouldstill facilitate use of pressure canisters for collection of carbondioxide under super critical fluid conditions. FIG. 6 shows the basiclayout of one embodiment of such a fluid monitoring system 610. Theadvantages of a hybrid system can include that a minimal number ofsampling components would be placed between each straddle packerunit—thereby: 1) minimizing long term maintenance involving removal ofthe system from the well bore for repair and/or replacement of pumps andsensors, and/or, 2) permitting the use of removable pumps, sensorsand/or pressure canisters for analyzing samples containing supercritical carbon dioxide fluids.

The use of a hybrid system would lend itself to the use of a telescopingborehole that would significantly reduce drilling costs. In oneembodiment, one important feature of the system is the attachment of theriser pipe sections to the central support rod via customized supportcentralizers 770—some of which are illustrated in FIG. 7. All of thestructural and materials conditions that are described for the HardwiredStraddle Packer System can also be used for the Hybrid system describedherein.

While the fluid monitoring and collection systems 10 and methods asshown and disclosed herein are fully capable of obtaining the objectsand providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to beunderstood that they are merely illustrative of the presently preferredembodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to thedetails of the methods, processes, construction or design herein shownand described.

1. A fluid monitoring system for a subsurface well in a subterraneanformation, the fluid monitoring system comprising: a first zone isolatorpositioned in the subsurface well; a second zone isolator positioned inthe subsurface well; a fluid inlet that receives fluid from thesubterranean formation; a first pressure canister positioned between thefirst zone isolator and the second zone isolator, the pressure canisterreceiving the fluid at an in-situ pressure; and a first gas-in line thatselectively delivers a gas to the pressure canister to pressurize thepressure canister so that the pressure canister is adapted to be removedfrom the subsurface well at a substantially similar pressure as thein-situ pressure.
 2. The fluid monitoring system of claim 1 wherein thepressure canister receives the fluid at an in-situ temperature, andwherein the pressure canister is adapted to be removed from thesubsurface well at a substantially similar temperature as the in-situtemperature.
 3. The fluid monitoring system of claim 1 furthercomprising: a docking receptacle positioned in the subsurface well, adocking apparatus that selectively docks with the docking receptacle inthe subsurface well; a second pressure canister that is positioned sothat the docking apparatus is between the docking receptacle and thepressure canister, the pressure canister receiving the fluid at anin-situ pressure; and a second gas-in line that selectively delivers agas to the pressure canister to pressurize the pressure canister so thatthe pressure canister is adapted to be removed from the subsurface wellat a substantially similar pressure as the in-situ pressure.
 4. A fluidmonitoring system for a subsurface well in a subterranean formation, thesubsurface well having a surface region, the fluid monitoring systemcomprising: a docking receptacle positioned in the subsurface well; adocking apparatus that selectively docks with the docking receptacle inthe subsurface well; a fluid inlet that receives fluid from thesubterranean formation; a pressure canister that is positioned so thatthe docking apparatus is between the docking receptacle and the pressurecanister, the pressure canister receiving the fluid at an in-situpressure; and a gas-in line that selectively delivers a gas to thepressure canister to pressurize the pressure canister so that thepressure canister is adapted to be removed from the subsurface well at asubstantially similar pressure as the in-situ pressure.
 5. The fluidmonitoring system of claim 4 wherein the pressure canister receives thefluid at an in-situ temperature, and wherein the pressure canister isadapted to be removed from the subsurface well at a substantiallysimilar temperature as the in-situ temperature.